Strawberry Ice Cream 🍓🍦
Welcome to the delightful world of homemade Strawberry Ice Cream! This creamy treat brings the freshness of summer strawberries to your dessert table, making it a perfect way to cool down on a hot day. Plus, making ice cream at home allows you to control ingredients and flavors, creating a sweet indulgence that’s just right for you.
Why make this recipe?
Making your own Strawberry Ice Cream is not only fun but also incredibly rewarding. You get the opportunity to use fresh, ripe strawberries that burst with flavor. This recipe is simple, requires only a few ingredients, and results in a deliciously creamy ice cream that’s perfect for everyone. Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ or enjoying a quiet evening at home, this ice cream will surely impress!
How to prepare Strawberry Ice Cream
Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries 🍓, hulled and sliced
- 1 cup heavy cream 🥛
- 1 cup whole milk 🥛
- 3/4 cup sugar 🍬
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 🌼
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice 🍋
- Pinch of salt 🧂
Instructions:
- Prepare the Strawberries: In a bowl, mash the sliced strawberries with 1/4 cup of sugar. Let them sit for about 15 minutes to release their juices.
- Mix the Base: In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, whole milk, remaining sugar, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt until combined.
- Combine: Stir the mashed strawberries (with their juices) into the cream mixture until evenly incorporated.
- Chill: Cover the mixture and refrigerate for 1-2 hours, or until it’s nicely chilled.
- Churn: Pour the chilled mixture into an ice cream maker. Churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions until it reaches a soft-serve consistency, usually about 20-25 minutes.
- Freeze: Transfer the soft ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for at least 4 hours, or until firm.
How to serve Strawberry Ice Cream
Scoop the Strawberry Ice Cream into bowls or cones, and feel free to top it with additional fresh strawberries, chocolate sauce, or whipped cream for an extra treat! Enjoy it on its own or pair it with a slice of cake for a delicious dessert.
How to store Strawberry Ice Cream
Store the Strawberry Ice Cream in an airtight container in the freezer. It can last for about 2-3 weeks, but it’s best enjoyed within the first week for optimal flavor and creaminess.
Tips for preparing Strawberry Ice Cream
- Make sure your ice cream maker is properly chilled before beginning to ensure the ice cream freezes quickly.
- If you don’t have an ice cream maker, pour the mixture into a shallow dish and freeze, stirring every 30 minutes until it reaches a creamy consistency.
- Use ripe strawberries for the best flavor.
Variations
You can easily customize this recipe! Try adding crushed cookies or nuts for texture, or swirl in some chocolate sauce for a strawberry-chocolate delight. You can also experiment with other fruits like raspberries or blueberries for different flavor profiles.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
A: Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. Just make sure to thaw them and drain excess water before mashing.
Q: How do I make this recipe dairy-free?
A: Substitute the heavy cream and whole milk with coconut cream and almond milk. Use a dairy-free alternative for the sugar if desired.
Q: What do I do if my ice cream is too hard?
A: If your ice cream is too hard, let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before scooping. This will make it easier to serve.
Now that you know how to prepare this delicious Strawberry Ice Cream, gather your ingredients and start creating your own creamy masterpiece! Enjoy! 🍓🍦